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shock

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word shock different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shock are collision, concussion, and impact. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

When can collision be used instead of shock?

In some situations, the words collision and shock are roughly equivalent. However, collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

Where would concussion be a reasonable alternative to shock?

The synonyms concussion and shock are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

When is impact a more appropriate choice than shock?

The words impact and shock can be used in similar contexts, but impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shock
Noun
Zero Day ended with a shock when Robert De Niro‘s politician did the right thing. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025 To the shock of America’s allies, Mr. Vance traveled to the Munich Security Conference two weeks ago and said nothing about assuring that any armistice or cease-fire would come with security guarantees for Ukraine, or about Russia paying any price for its invasion. David E. Sanger, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Washington’s pivot toward Moscow has not only shocked European allies but left open an opportunity for Beijing to push back against longstanding criticism of its close ties with Moscow, which have only expanded since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 The overhaul plan shocked SSA workers in the Kansas City area, prompting many to weigh their future at the agency. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shock
Noun
  • Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run collision that seriously injured a motorcyclist Saturday night.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The researchers estimate the space rock responsible for the crater was traveling at 36,000 kilometers per hour, with the collision scattering debris across the planet.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Confidential and Memento, Pearce is, to the astonishment of many, celebrating his very first Oscar nomination this year, with his terrifying supporting turn in The Brutalist.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2025
  • In her episode, Roan recreates the cover of her 2023 album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, all while going long about her influences and her astonishment at her meteoric rise to stardom.
    James Factora, Them, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Again, no one should be surprised by Wednesday’s announcement.
    Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The announcement did not surprise the market given Trump had previously alluded to the move, during discussion of his upcoming 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, Piotr Ortonowski, head of copper market analysis at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, told CNBC.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023, a bear barged into a bakery in Avon, scared employees and helped itself to 60 cupcakes before ambling away.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Wise infuses a nurturing maturity and vulnerability in Nicole that scares Roger, and challenges him to confront his unhealthy relationship habits and general indecisiveness.
    Morgan A. Grain, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The new electrically released adhesive makes removing the battery easier because it can be done with a jolt of electricity rather than fumbling with sticky strips, which can snap before the battery is released.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Thursday's midday jolt came when Trump put firm dates on more tariffs.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • After two years, to their amazement, electricity to the village had been restored.
    Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Several years ago, many of us shared amazement when the State’s current owners, Red and Linda McMonagle, reopened the movie house after an extensive remodeling.
    Doug Hanneman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Dismay or appall you, sure, but never surprise you.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
  • That kind of appalls me to think that people need not expect that of themselves.
    David Marchese Photograph by Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024
Verb
  • What amazed me was that Zeah was already on home detention for a rack of serious criminal charges.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Chiefs didn’t amaze us on an every-game basis, not really, anyway.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shock. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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